Kent Companies, Inc.
- Kent Companies, Inc.
- Company Overview: When John Vander Laan founded Kent Concrete in the 1950's, the prosperous post-war economy kept him busy pouring residential and commercial flatwork. Over the years he grew his fledgling company into a well-respected name in western Michigan. When his sons, Al and Roger, took the reins of the company in the 1980's, they diversified into foundations and other concrete-related specialty markets such as concrete pumping, floor underlayments, mudjacking, foundation restoration, excavating, and masonry. In the 90’s the company’s name was changed to Kent Companies, because of the company's many offerings.
In 1997, Kent Companies, Inc. celebrated its 40th anniversary. With more than 300 employees in 14 construction groups, and five branch offices in addition to its award-winning Grand Rapids headquarters building, Kent Companies is a major force in regional construction.
"We are probably the largest construction employer in western Michigan," says company President Al Vander Laan. "Skilled and knowledgeable employees equal capability."
The company's project list, which according to Vice President of Construction Dave Turner numbers "in the hundreds" each year, breaks down to roughly 40 percent commercial construction, 15 percent institutional, 15 percent for the Michigan Department of Transportation and 30 percent public works.
Although the company has diversified and now offers many construction-related services, concrete construction remains at the heart of the company's strengths.
"Concrete construction offers many advantages over other types of construction," says Turner. "It is 'poured' on-site to any shape or form desired, and it offers architects endless possibilities in design. Concrete is extremely durable and when used in walls, offers a more secure building and lowers insurance costs."
Our People
"We have an excellent core group of people to build on for the future," says Roger Vander Laan, senior vice president of the Kent Companies. "We recognize that our people are our most valuable asset and we look to grow with them."
Kent Companies demonstrates its "people" philosophy with a commitment to continued development through training and education. Kent Companies provides in-house employee training and uses local ABC training in carpentry and finishing classes.
"We're successful because of our track record and what we have to offer in terms of the highly skilled personnel and state-of-the-art technology our company has," Al Vander Laan says. "We're willing to invest in our people and to equip them with the best tools, technology and education in the industry. It's what sets us apart."
Our Services
Kent Companies, Inc. offers single source responsibility for a full range of construction products and services to help solve your construction challenges. Call any of our four regional offices for information on any of our construction groups, services which we offer or for a conceptual estimate on your next project.
Our Services Include:
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Concrete Construction
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Masonry
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Concrete Pumping
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Foundation Stabilization
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Floor Underlayments
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Mudjacking
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Facilities Management
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Excavating - Website: http://www.kentcompanies.com
